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I took the opportunity to speak to Ben. My boss relayed the details of the search, ending with nobody found, and advised that he and Valentine were fitting cameras to the cottage while Daisy remained at Castle Braithar.
From Ariel’s words, Daisy was telling her the same.
“Do I want to go stay with you?” she repeated.
I shot my gaze to her, hating the thought.
She raised a shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m safe here. Sleep well.”
I finished my call, and Ariel stood from the sofa, finally bringing her gaze to me.
“I’m going to bed.”
“Can I come?” I asked, my mouth getting the better of me.
She balled her hands into fists as if fighting some instinct. “To bed with me? No. Neither of us think it’s a good idea, remember? I’ll be by myself, reading my list and imagining each act, but working things out solo. Feel free to picture that all you want. Good night, Jackson.”
She went to leave but did the same halt and turn.
Ariel quickly stepped back to the couch and wrapped me in a hug. I returned it, shocked but needing it more than anything.
Her knees pressed into the cushions either side of my hips, and despite how reassuring and lifegiving a hug it was, my body woke up in anticipation of more.
I tightened my arms around her, burying my face in her hair.
Her scent filled my nose.
Her warmth brought life back to me where I’d been so fucking cold.
Ariel let me hold her then pulled back. For a beat, she examined my expression, something I didn’t recognise in her gaze.
Then she exhaled, climbed off me, and left for real this time. I tipped my head back on the sofa and hated myself for my part in shutting us down.
Taking up my laptop, I attempted some work. Tried to read emails. To piece over the training list Ben had sent through.
But my mind drifted and fixed on Ariel, downstairs in her room.
Without conscious decision, I was messaging her.
Jackson: What item from your list stuck in your mind most?
Ariel: I don’t think you want to know.
Jackson: You think wrong.
Ariel: Okay. You asked for this. One of the girls wrote about waking up with him between your legs. I’m currently enjoying picturing that.
My groin tightened.
Jackson: Licking or fucking?
Ariel: Based on my limited experience, the second choice, probably. But either works for me.
I palmed my dick through my jeans. I really had meant to stop from complicating things even more, but it had been a moment of madness. Self-preservation after I poured out my history. I didn’t mean it.
I didn’t mean a fucking second of it.
Another message came in from her.
